Printing machine for duplicating indicia



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)rraen/Er Jan. 8, 1952 w. H. WOLOWITZ PRINTING MACHINE FOR DUPLICATING INDICIA 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Aug. 5. 1949 II! n zoj INVENTOR.

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I PRINTING MACHINE FOR DUPLICATING INDICIA Filed Aug.- 5, 1949 7 Sheets-Sheet '7 INVENTOR. B/l/y/lA/AM b. h/azaw/rz 4rrae/z/EK Patented Jan. 8, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT F F! CE PRINTING MACHINE FOR DUPLIGATING INDICI 8 Claims.

- This invention relates in general to printing machines or apparatus for an improved method or system of recording a business transaction directly onto a tabulating or statistical card for use in connection with card sorting and tabulating machines. The present application is a continuation-in-part of I prior copending application Serial Number 94,120 filed May-19, 1949.

In many business establishments such as department stores,.and the like, customers having charge or credit accountsare provided with identificationtags in the form of plateshaving raised characters, thereon indicating the customers name and addres, and usually the number of the customers account. This identification plate is adapted to be employed in a press or printing machine whereby such information identifying the customer is printed or otherwise reproduced on the usual sales or record slipon which the clerk Writes in the details of a transaction such as the amount, department, type of sale, date, etc.

, When the sales or record slip reaches the accounting department, the usual practice in large business establishments is to make an accounting record of the information on the sales or record slip by transferring thedata thereon onto tabulating or statistical cards for use in automatic card sorting and tabulating machines. This procedure necessarilyrequires a separate operation for punching or otherwise providing sensing marks on the tabulatingcards and involves the attendant possibility of error and the keeping of files of both the sales slips and the tabulating cardsfor future reference in the event that verification of any detail of the transaction is required. Also, it has heretofore been a diflicult problem in many instances to read or locate a tabulating card prepared with perforated or other blank sensing marks inasmuch as such sensing marks usually are the only identifying means on the card.

The aforesaid. prior application discloses a, new and novel method for recording all or any partof the data of a business transaction directly onto a tabulating card in a procedure which eliminatesthe aforesaid separate operation for punching or otherwise providing sensing marks on the t'ahulating card, and the attendant cost for such punching machines or the like, and the operators thereof, and the aforementioned possibility of error involved in any such procedure requiring a separate operation for transferring data from a sales or record slip onto a tabulating card. To this end, there is employed an improved printing or reproducing means-comprising an identification tag or plate, or the like, having elements thereon for printing'or otherwise forming sensing marks directly onto a tabulating card at the time of the-transaction in any suitable Way such as; for example, in the manner in which prior art types of identification plates are used to-print the name, address and account number of a customer onto arecordor sales slip. In addition, the improved identification plate comprises elements for printing or otherwiseforming sensing marks onto a tabulating card and arranged according to a code-or table basedon'the order and numeral values of the individual digits of the customer's account number. The improved method alsodiscloses the provision of such coded sensing marks togeher with individual numeralsin the same order and of the same values'as thedigits of the account number suchthat the account'number may be easily and quickly visually'inspected and read directly'from the'sensing marks on the'tabulating card. In general, thearrangement is such that an identification plate or tag having such elements for printing or otherwise forming sensing marks on a tabulating card is provided with anyone ormore or all of'the foregoing described features, and the identification plate otherwise providedwith an area bearing the customers name, address, account number andany other constant or source data in anarrangement in which such constantor source data is adapted to be printed directly onto the tabulating card at the same time that the aforesaid sensing marks areprinted or otherwise formed thereon.

An identification plate having the foregoing described features, either in whole or in part, is adapted to be used in the aforesaid method or system for recording a business transaction directly onto a tabulating card in a manner whereby the tabulating card is providedwith customer identifying matter both in the form of readable printed charactersfor visual inspection purposes and also with sensing marks adapted for card sorting and tabulating machines now in use.

In conjunction with such an identification plate and the described use thereof, the improved method or system contemplates any suitable means for simultaneously printing or otherwise forming on the tabulating card additional groups of similar sensing marks representing variable or selective data such as the amount, date, orig-in,

nature, etc., of thetransaction, and still further,

' method-or system, there may be recorded allthe required or necessary details of any business transaction onto a tabulating card by means of printed characters and sensing marks printed or otherwise formed directly on said tabulating card.

The present invention is directed to various machines or apparatus for carrying out the described method and a primary object of the invention is to provide a machine or apparatus of this character for recording all or the necessary or required details of any business transaction on a tabulating card by printing or otherwise forming sensing marks directly onto the tabulating card by means of an identification plate such as described which provides a group of sensing marks indicating the constant or source data of the transaction, as aforesaid, together with selective means for providing simultaneously, additional groups of sensing marks on the tabulating card indicating the variable data of the transaction. The arrangement, accordingly, is such that the machine or apparatus is adapted to accommodate the identification plate for printing or otherwise forming sensing marks on a tabulating card indicating the constant or source data of a transaction such as the name, address and account number of a customer, and the machine otherwise includes selectively adjustable means to actuate selected elements for simultaneously forming other similar sensing marks on the tabulating card in predetermined locations based on a definite code for indicating the variable data of the transaction such as the date, amount, origin, nature, etc., of the transaction.

Another primary object of the invention is to provide a machine or apparatus such as described which comprises a platen or base member for accommodating a tabulating card on which sensing marks are to be printed or otherwise formed, and, with said platen or base member having an area for supporting an identification plate provided with elements for forming sensing marks on the tabulating card which indicate the constant or source data of a transaction, as aforesaid, and another area provided with selectively adjustable elements for simultaneously forming similar sensing marks on the tabulating card indicating the variable data of the transaction.

' A further object of the invention is to provide a machine or apparatus in accordance with the foregoing together with means for selectively printing numerals or equivalent characters on the tabulating card in conjunction with the elements for printing or otherwise forming sensing marks indicating the variable data of the transaction.

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine or apparatus such as described in which the means for forming the sensing marks indicating the variable data of the transaction comprise individual printing units composed of a series of elements which are selectively movable into active position for forming a, sensing mark on the tabulating card in a predetermined location depending on the value of the selected numeral represented by said sensing mark.

A further object of the invention is to provide a machine or apparatus of the kind described in which the means for forming the sensing marks indicating the variable data of the transaction comprise a series of individual elements defining a column of numbers and any one of which is selectively movable into active position for forming a sensing mark on the tabulating card in a predetermined location in accordance with the 4 designated value of the selected numeral represented by said sensing mark.

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine or apparatus embodying the foregoing features, individually or severally, and in which the elements for forming sensing marks are selectively movable to active position by a simplified actuating mechanism which may be operated by either manual or automatic means.

Further objects and advantages, and other new and useful features in the construction, arrangement and general combination of parts of the invention will be readily apparent as the following description proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings, for purposes of illustration but not of limitation, in which like reference characters designate like parts throughout, and in which:

Fig. l is a top plan view of a machine or apparatus in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of Fig. 1 along line 2-2, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view on line 33 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view of Fig, 1 along line 4-4; and,

Fig. 5 is an example of one general type of tabulating'card as completed with readable printed matter and sensing mark identifying the customer together with sensing marks and readable characters indicating the amount, nature and other details of a business transaction.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 2 showing another form of the invention; and,

Fig. '7 is a sectional view on line 'i! of Fig. 6.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 2 illustrating a further embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 9 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 2 disclosing the invention in another form; and,

Fig. 10 is a sectional View of Fig. 9 along line I0ll).

Fig. 11 discloses another embodiment of the invention; and,

Fig. 12 is a sectional view of Fig. 11 along line Il--| I.

It is to be understood that the term printing in any part of this disclosure is intended to refer to and cover the provision of ny form of sensing mark, numeral, letter or other character formed on a tabulating card or other sheet in any manner by printing elements or equivalent scoring, cutting or punching elements or devices provided on the identification plate or in association with any selective means for forming sensing marks indicating the variable data of a transaction. It will be understood, further, that the term sensing marks refers to any suitable electrically conductive marks provided on a tabulating card or the like for use in electrical analyzing machines well known in the art.

Referring now, more particularly, to the drawings, Fig. 1 illustrates in the plan the top or upper surface of a machine M in accordance with the invention which preferably is provided in a compact box-like construction comprising an overall base bed or platen I supported by side and end walls 2, Figs. 1 and 4. The base or platen is provided in its upper portion with a depressed area 3 in the manner of generally rectangular well corresponding substantially to the contour of an identification plate P so as to seat and support any such identification plate firmly and rigidly in operative position in the machine, as shown in Fig. 4, for the operation of reproducing any raised surfaces on said plate P onto a tabulating card or other sheet in accordance with the invention.

A tabulating card C, represented in dotted lines in Fig. l is retained in exact printing position on the platen i by suitable guide points or gauges 4 and upon completion of the printing operation, the printed characters and sensing marks reproduced from the identification plate P are located in the upper area of the tabulating card, as shown in Fig. 5, and indicate the constant or source data of a transaction such as the name, address and account number of a customer. The lower portion of the machine base or platen l includes a separate area 5 in which are located selectively movable elements for providing sensing marks and numerals on a corresponding separate lower portion of the tabulating card C, Fig. 5, which indicate the variable data of the transaction such as the amount, nature, date, and origin thereof, for example.

As disclosed in the aforesaid prior application, said identification plate P, Fig. 1, preferably is provided as a composite unitary printing device comprising a printed plate member it which is secured to a larger plate member at. The smaller plate member it is provided with raised printing characters it such as the customers name, address and the number of the customers account as indicate at l2. The account number it may be provided in any suitable location on the smaller plate member it or on the larger base plate member 29 if necessary or desirable for certain systems. Also, the printed matter H on the plate i!) may be provided to identify, similarly, an individual in any related type of transac tion such as, for example, an employee in a factory or a member of an organization, and further, to identify any goods, product or item which may be designated by a number, generally referred to as an account number.

The printed plate is is provided with one or more simple hooks 54 along its lower edge and a hole [5 for receiving an eyelet or grommet 25 to attach the same to the larger plate member 29. The general form of identification plate shown in Fig. 3. may, of course, be provided in one piece with the printing characters H on the smaller plate ll! formed integrally on the larger plate 28, in the area 25 thereof. However, the provision of the printed plate portion ii on a separate plate member is advantageous in that it may be readily detached for any purpose and the characters thereon replaced or changed in any way, as when is necessary to substitute a new address of the customer.

The larger plate member 2Q, accordingly, is preferably provided in the manner of a base having an area 23 for the attachment thereto of the smaller plate to and also an area so for the provision thereon of aised elements SE for printing j or otherwise forming sensing marks ti on the tabulating card C shown in Fig. 5. The plate member 2b is provided with spaced slots 23 adapted to receive the spaced hooks M on the smaller plate it in the assembled relation of these plate members whereupon the hole 55 in the smaller plate it is in line with a similar hole M in the larger plate member and an eyelet or grommet 25 is secured in said aligned holes t5 and 24 to provide the completed identification plate P in the general form shown in 1. The larger plate is otherwise may be formed in any suitable construction and, in the present example, is shown provided with a slightly offset rim 2?, Fig. l, which adds to the strength and 6. rigidity of. the composite identification plate P in completed form.

On the plate member 20, the area 30 is provided with raised printing elements 3| which are selectively provided on said area in specific locations in accordance with a code or table based on the order and value of each digit or numeral in any account number [2 on the identification plate P. The elements 3|, thus are adapted to print or otherwise form corresponding sensing marks s] on the tabulating card C, Fig. 5, in a printing operation performed by a machine in accordance with the present invention, for example. Preferably each selected printing element 3| is formed together with the same numeral of the account number which it represents. Thus, the selected printing elements 3!, representing an account number, may be readily checked against the printed account number l2, and the printed sensing marks ti formed thereby on the tabulating card, Fig. 5, also advantageously read in a similar manner for any purpose.

In order to provide the elements 31 on the identification plate according to a code based on the value of the numeral or digit represented thereby, the plate area 23b is so plotted as to provide for any desired number of transverse columns depending on the number of digits in the account number I2. In each of such transverse columns, any selected printing element 3| representing a number or digit from 0 to 9 is adapted to be provided in a specific predetermined transverse lccation from left to right of the plate depending on the value of such numeral or digit. In the present illustration, the account number ii is composed of nine numerals or digits and therefore, for such a system, the area so of the identification plate P is plotted for nine transverse columns.

It will be understood, accordingly, that in the example of an account number l2, the first digit 5 thereof has its corresponding printing element (it formed in the first or lowermost transverse column and in the predetermined transverse position for the value five since this is the value of said numeral or digit. A printing element 3! accordingly is formed in this position, as shown, together with a similar identifying numeral 5. The second numeral or digit of the account number i2 is a 3 and the printing element 3i for this digit finds its place in the second or next adjacent transverse column in the predetermined transverse position for the value 3 since this is the value of such digit, whereupon this printing element 35 is provided as shown together with its identifying numeral 3. Likewise, the third numeral or digit of the account number it is a 7 and the printing element for this digit finds its place in the third transverse column and in the predetermined position for the value seven inasmuch as'this is the value of said digit. The printing element for this numeral accordingly is formed in such position together with its identifying numeral '7.

In a similar manner, the succeeding numerals or digits of the account number l2 find their places in succeeding adjacent transverse columns, and in the predetermined transverse location for the particular numeral value thereof. A printing element 3i is thus providedior each numeral. or digit of. the account number l2 in accordance with its order in the account number and the numeral value thereof substantially as a shown in 1. In the completed identification plate P, the printing elements 3| thus formed are easily read when the plate is viewed from the right edge thereof and the printing elements noted from left to right. It will thereupon be seen that the order and value of the identifying numerals on said printing elements 3| are identical to the order and value of the numerals or digits of the account number I2, and hence, may be easily and quickly compared with the account number l2 to insure that the numerals on said printing elements iii are correct and said printing elements 3| otherwise properly located on the completed printing plate P.

The composite printing or identification plate P thus provided is adapted to be employed in a printing machine in accordance with the present invention in a manner whereby the printing elements II and 3| reproduce similar printed characters onto a tabulating card C, Fig. 5, or any similar record sheet, or the like. Thus, in the example of a tabulating card C shown in Fig. 5, the printing elements I! on the smaller plate member Iii reproduce similar printed characters 49 including the account number 4E3 printed by the account number printing elements l2, and the printing elements 3| reproduce the sensing marks 4|.

It will be readily appreciated that the printing elements 3| may be provided in other shapes or designs to form suitable sensing marks on any type of tabulating card, so that the same may be used in any particular sorting or tabulating machine. In the present example, the printing elements 3| are shown provided in a preferred form by which said printing elements reproduce the strip-like sensing marks 4!, Fig. .5, with each sensing mark having a central enlargement on which the particular numeral or digit represented by the sensing mark is also provided. If desired, such numerals may be omitted and the raised printing elements 3| provided in blank to reproduce any preferred design or shape of printed, perforated or scored sensing mark. However, the provision of the printing elements 3| with individual identifying numerals, as described, so

that each prints a sensing mark 4|, Fig. 5, together with the same numeral that the sensing mark represents is, of course, preferable and highly advantageous in that the printing elements 3| may be easily read for visually checking same against the account number on the identification plate, as aforesaid. Likewise, the sensing marks 4| as thus printed on the tabulating card, Fig. 5, together with individual identifying numerals, are also easily read in a similar manner for a quick and expeditious determination of the account number directly from the sensing marks. This is important in any system in which only sensing marks are printed on the tabulating cards, whereupon such identifying numerals on the sensing marks provide a most advantageous means for locating a particular tabulating card in a file of such cards.

As shown in Fig. 5, the tabulating card C includes an area 43 on which similar numbered tively arranged in accordance with variable numeral values such as the amount of any sale or transaction, the number of the clerk, type of sale, etc., as indicated on said card 0, by way of example. Also provided with such selectively arranged sensing marks r to 4511 inclusive, are conventional numerals printed on the tabulating card C on the side portion 44, for example, which indicate exactly the values of the numbers represented by said sensing marks 451 to 457.1, inclusive. Thus, it will be seen that in the area 1' indicating the total of the sale, the amount number $748.93 is represented and indicated by the group of sensing marks 451" in the same order and of the same value as the respective digits of said amount number.

Likewise, in the area s, the authorized number 54 is represented and indicated by the group of sensing marks 45s; in the area i the department number 20 by the sensing marks 45t; in the area it, the clerk number 57 by the sensing marks 45u; and, in the area 1; the type of sale, number 5, by the sensing mark 451;.

Such selectively arranged groups of sensing marks 451 to 45v, inclusive, are formed by selectively provided printing elements, similar to the printing elements 3|, and which are arranged in the printing machine or apparatus of the present invention in a manner whereby said printing elements are set up for a printing operation in accordance with the order and value of the digits in the numbers represented and indicated thereby. The arrangement is similar to the general procedure described for providing the printing elements 3| in coded relation on the identification plate member 39. The groups of selectively arranged sensing marks 451' to 4512, inclusive, accordingly, are printed on the tabulating card C together with the sensing marks 4| and the printed characters 40, aforesaid, and also if desired, with conventional numerals on the area 44 of the tabulating card which indicate exactly the values of the numbers represented by said groups of sensing marks 451- to 45v inclusive.

As illustrated in Fig. l, in the area 5 of the platen I of the machine, there are provided selectively movable individual printing units for printing or otherwise forming said groups of sensing marks 451' to 4511 inclusive and, if desired, an auxiliary printing device 35 in each printing unit for printing the corresponding numerals in the area of 44 of the tabulating card C, Fig. 5. In the form of invention shown in Fig. 2, each of said printing units, accordingly, comprises a movable printing member 50 for printing or otherwise forming a sensing mark at a predetermined sensing marks 45r to 4512, inclusive, are adapted transverse location on the tabulating card C depending on the'value of the numeral represented by said sensing mark, while an auxiliary printing member is adapted to print the numeral corresponding to the value of said sensing mark at a fixed location in the area 44 of the tabulating card C, Fig. 5. Any required. number of such individual printing units comprising the printing members 59 and 80 are mounted in the machine in the platen area 5 depending on the number of sensing marks and corresponding numerals which may be necessary to record all or any number of details of any particular transaction on the tabulating card. The individual printing units thus provided are mounted in side by side relation in the machine as shown in Fig. 3, and in the present example, the arrangement is such that the operating means for setting the movable printing member 50 also simultaneously sets the auxiliary printing member 80, as presently to be described.

In the form of the invention shown in Figs. 1-3 inclusive, the movable printing member 55 in each printing unit is in the form of a semicircular Wheel provided with ten printing elements 52 in spaced relation on the periphery thereof. These spaced printing elements 52, represent the numerale to 9, inclusive, and are adapted to print or otherwise form a sensing mark corresponding to any selected one of these numerals at a predetermined location transversely of the tabulating card C, asaforesaid. The first printing element 52a on said wheel 56 represents the numeral 0 and those extending to the right thereof on said wheel represent successively the numerals from 1 to 9 inclusive. As shown in Fig.- 3, said printing elements 52 preferably are provided to form any such sensing mark together with a numeral showing the value of the number or digit represented by; the sensing mark, for the advantages aforesaid.

The movable printing Wheel 55 thus provided, is mounted for a combined turning and trans- Verse movement in the machine in order to locate any selected printing element 52 thereon in active position for forming a sensing mark at a predetermined location transversely of the tabulating card C. To this end, turning movement of the printing wheel B is effected at the same time it is moved transversely by an arrangement in which the spaced printing elements 52 successively engage in correspondingly spaced longitudinal slots formed in the adjacent area 5 in the base or platen of the machine as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The arrangement is such that the area 5 resembles a grid comprising a series of vertical strips between the spaced slots 6. Such a grid actually defines a form of rack'with which the spaced printing elements 52 on the printing wheel 50 coengage in the manner of the teeth on a pinion. This provides for turning or rotation of said wheel as in the direction indicated by thecurved arrow in Fig. 2 at the same time said wheel is moved transversely in the machine tothe predetermined transverse location in which the selected printin element 52 on said wheelis in active position for printing or otherwise forming a sensing mark on the tabulating card C.

The, printing wheel 55, thus provided, is mounted for transverse movement in the machine by means of a slidable crosshead 55 carrying a supporting post 56 having a U-shaped yoke defining a pair of spaced trunnions 57, as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 3, which serve as bearings for the ends of a shaft 53 rotatably mounting said printing wheel 5G for turning movement, as aforesaid. The crosshead 55 isslidably supported onand retained between an adjacent pair of spaced rails 65 fixedly mounted in the machine. In the construction shown in Fig. 3, the lower end of said crosshead 55 is provided in an I-shaped form defining a pair of spaced bearing surfaces 55 which are slidable on the upper faces of an adjacent pair of said rails 65, and outwardly projecting flanges 62 in abutting relation to the underfaces of said rails 55 such that the intermediate portion of the crosshead 55 is retained in operative mounted position between said rails 65 and in slidable relation thereto. The rails 65 may be of. any suitable character and are shown provided as right angled pieces which are fixedly mounted in the machine in spaced relation to each other,

ends of said rails are secured inspaced relation by an elongate bolt 67. rails 65, likewise, are secured in spaced relation to each other by asimilar bracket 68 attached to the bottom of the machine and in which said ends of the rails are secured by an elongate bolt 69.

mounted between each pair of said rails 65 for operating the associated crosshead 55 slidably mounted on said rails. The similar crank mem- I bers H5 in each printing unit are pivotallymounted in spaced relation in a separate portion of the bracket '58 by means of a common shaft 7 l The crank member Hi is connected to the crosshead 55 in any suitable manner as by a connect ing link .74 having one. end attached to an .ear I5 on said. crosshead55 and its other end attached to a similar ear I6 on said crank member 10;

The crank member iii in the form of a quadrant type of crank is readily provided with an arcuate rack portion 11 on its outer end together with a lever 18 having a handle or key 19 which projects outwardly of the machine in position to be readily manipulated in the use of the. machine,

as presently to be described. In the pathof said.

rack 17 there is mounted the aforesaid auxiliary printing member 80.1'or each printing unit. Ihis printing member -is in the formof a printing wheel having. spaced, individual, radially projecting printing elements 81 provided, respectively,

with the numerals 0 to 9, inclusive. The printing Wheels 88 are rotatably mounted 'ona common shaft 82 and the rack i on a crank member '10 is meshed withtherindividual projecting printingelements ti on the associated printing wheel 88, and accordingly, is adapted torotate said printing wheel 88- in the manner of apinion at the same time and inproportion tothe transverse movement of the crosshead 55'.

The handle orkey'19 on the crank lever 78' projects through an adjacent guide slot 84 ina keyboard 85 mounted in a cutout area in the overlying casing of the machine as shown in Fig.

2, and, Fig. 1 shows the general appearance and arrangement of such handles or keys 79 of all printing'units in idle or zeroposition and ready to be manipulated the setting operation of the machine. Each handle or-key 19,- accordingly,

is slidably disposed in a separate guide slot 84in" the keyboard 85. Adjacent each slot a series'of" recesses 86 are provided ina predetermined able pawitl carried by a leaf spring 88 riveted to said lever and extending through an aperture 8.9 in said lever in position to snapinto any such recess 86 in the associated keyboard slot 84; thereby locating the lever 18 accurately in any selected position, as aforesaid, and retaining the same in any such position against accidental displacement.

In the machine thus providedwith the various printing elements described, any suitable means may be employed for effecting the reproduction or transfer of, the sensing marks and numerals The other ends of said A crank member 10 comprising what may be termed a quadrant type of crank is pivotally defined bysaid printing elements onto the tabulating card C or other sheet. In this regard, there may be employed a roller-type platen or a flattype platen operated either by pressure or by impact. In the present form of the invention shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 4, there is shown a roller type platen or block 93 which operates under pressure over the area of the tabulating card C. A pair of spaced channel-shaped tracks 99 are mounted on the top of the machine to provide guideways for a movable carriage 92 having inturned flanges retained in said guide tracks 99. The roller 93 is supported in said carriage by a shaft 94 preferably biased by spring means (not shown) in a manner whereby the contact surface of said roller 93 is slightly below the raised printing surfaces of the selected printing elements in the area of the platen, Figs. 1 and 2, and also the printing elements onthe identification plate P, Fig. 4. A knob 95 on the carriage 92 permits the carriage to be easily and quickly acutated longitudinally of the machine in the path defined by the spaced tracks 90.

The roller plate or block 93 is provided with a surface which is impregnated with ink or covered by a similar coated paper, or, made of graphite or other suitable substance for reproducing the printing elements onto the tabulating card C, as aforesaid. In a preferred form, the roller platen or block 93 is made of graphite or other material having electro-conductive or magnetic properties for special purposes and advantages hereinafter described. Accordingly, it will be understood that when the carriage 92 is forced longitudinally of the machine, the roller platen or block 93 carried thereby engages the top surface of the tabulating card C directly, and when said roller passes over the raised printing surfaces of the printing elements on the identification plate P and the raised printing elements for the sensing marks and numerals to be provided in the area 5, the graphite material or other substance on the surface of the roller or block 93 causes said printing elements to be reproduced in such material or substance directly onto the top surface of said tabulating card C, substantially as shown in Fig 5.

In the operation and use of the machine, it will be understood from the foregoing that a completed identification plate P, Fig. 1, provided with elements for printing or otherwise reproducing letters I I, numbers l2 and sensing marks 3 I, indicating the source or constant data of a transaction, as aforesaid, is positionedin the well 3 provided by a depressed area in the platen l of the machine as shown in Figs. 1 and 4.

In the area 5, there are set up the elements for printing or otherwise reproducing the variable data of the transaction such as the amount, date, nature and origin of the transaction by the required movement of the printing wheels 50 and auxiliary wheels 90 as necessary to locate in active position the proper printing elements 52 on said wheels 50 for forming sensing marks in predetermined transverse locations in accordance with the value of the numerals or digits of the numbers indicating suchvariable data, and also, to locate in active position, the proper printing elements 8| on the auxiliary wheels 80 for printing numerals indicating such variable data.

As shown in Fig. 1, the keyboard is clear in the initial position of the printing units wherein the printing wheels 50 and 80 in each printing unit are in zero position such that the first printing element 52a on a printing wheel 50 is adapted to print a sensing mark representing the value zero and the printing wheel a corresponding numeral 0. In order to provide for a printing of any other sensing mark and its corresponding numeral, each printing unit comprising such printing wheels 50 and 80, Fig. 2, is suitably set by moving the associated crank lever 18 to the required position in its respective guide slot 84 in the keyboard 85, Fig. l. The setting of each printing unit is readily effected by manipulating the projecting key or handle 19 on each lever 18 of a printing unit to the required position of the selected number as indicated on the keyboard 85, whereupon said lever 78 is retained in such set position by the pawl 81 thereon engaged in the adjacent recess 86 provided for this purpose.

The setting movement of the lever 18 causes a corresponding pivotal movement of the quadrant crank member 10 and the connecting link 14 which in turn pulls the crosshead 55 a proportionate distance in a transverse sliding movement of said crosshead on the supporting rails 65. The printing wheel 50 on said crosshead, likewise, moves transversely in the machine and simultaneously turns in the direction of the curved arrow in Fig. 2 by virtue of the printing elements 52 successively engaging in the spaced slots 6 in the overlying grid structure. At the limit of any such transverse movement of the printing wheel 50, the required printing element 52 on said wheel for printing or otherwise forming a selected sensing mark is located in active position at the proper predetermined transverse location in the machine. It will be understood that the first printing element 52a on wheel 50 represents the numeral 0 and those extending to the right thereof on said wheel 50 represent, successively, the numerals from 1 to 9 inclusive. In initial position, as shown in Fig. 2, the printing element 52a for the numeral 0 is in active position for printing a sensing mark, but for any other numeral, the setting operation described is performed to bring into active position the printing element representing any such other numeral which may be selected. In the same setting operation of the lever 18, the pivotal movement of the quadrant crank member 19 causes the rack ll thereon to provide a proportionate rotation of the auxiliary printing wheel 80 as necessary to place in active position the particular printing element 8| thereon for printing a numeral corresponding to the selected printing element 52 on wheel 50.

Each printing unit is adjusted in a similar manner to set up the selected printing elements on the associated printing wheels 50 and 89 in accordance with the values of the digits of various groups of numbers indicating any desired details of any transaction as, for example, the vari able data in the area 44 of the tabulating card C, Fig. 5.

As illustrated in Fig. 1, the machine is thus set up with the identification plate in the well 3 and the selected printing elements on the wheels 50 and 80 in the area 5, whereupon a blank tabulating card C represented in dotted lines is placed over both of said areas in the precise position determined by the guide points or gauges i. The operation for printing or otherwise forming the sensing marks and corresponding numerals on the tabulating card is then easily and quickly effected by a suitable pull on the knob of the roller carriage 92 to move the same over the length of the tabulating card C to the opposite lower end of the machine, as illustrated in broken lines. The pressure of the platen roller or block 13 93 on-the tabulating card reproduces thereon the raised surfaces of the printing elements on the identification plate P and those in the area 5, as aforesaid, to provide the tabulating card C as shown in Fig. 5, for example, with the complete record of the details of the transaction.

Upon completion of the printing of a tabulating card in the manner just described, the keyboard 85 preferably is cleared by returning each of the keys 19 to its initial zero position shown in Fig. l, whereupon the machine is ready to be set ing a repetition of the foregoing described procedure for a subsequent printing of another tabulating card for recording thereon in a similar manner the details of another transaction The roller platen or block 93 may be provided with any suitable surface for the transfer operation, as aforesaid. However, it is important to provide said roller platen or block 93' with a surface material or substance which will reproduce the printed sensing marks as even and uniform strips of the same depth of cpaqueness or consistency in color throughout so that such sensing marks will have the characteristics required for satisfactory sensing operations. Inasmuch such sensing marks are actually printed in accordance with the present invention, the sensing marks are precise, even and uniform and of the same consistency throughout so that a most effective sensing operation is ensured for each sensing mark.

Accordingly, another primary feature of the invention resides in the provision of a machine for printing printed sensing marks which are formed precisely and uniformly and of the same consistency throughout for most effective sensing operations. In this regard, the machine is adapted for a Wide range and variety of applications and uses and, of course, may be readily provided, if desired, in a modified construction comprising only the area containing the printing members 50 for forming selectively located sensing marks together with a keyboard and associated setting mechanism in the form of operating levers as disclosed, or an equivalent ten-key push-button keyboard mechanism, for example.

Such precisely printed sensing marks are provided in even and uniform outline and consistency by a roller platen 93 or a similar slidabl-e blocktype platen operated under pressure, as aforesaid, or by an equivalent flat platen operated under pressure or impact. Any such platen preferably is made of graphite or other electro-conductive material for printing a sensing mark of such material which is most effective in sensing machines using an electric brush principle of sensing. Likewise, the platen may be provided with a magnetic material or substance adapted to reproduce printed sensing marks of magnetic material for use in sensing machines using a magnetic principle of sensing, or similarly, a photoelectric cell principle or other principle of sensing. In this regard, any suitable roller, block or flat platen may be provided for printing a sensing mark through the medium of paper or ribbons coated or impregnated with fluids, powders or other material or substance having suitable properties for printing sensing marks for use in accordance with any of the foregoing principles of sensing.

Figs. 6 and '7 disclose another form of machine 'having the same general organization as that de scribed with reference to Figs. 1-4 inclusive and which is operated and-used in the same general manner. The operating mechanism for each printing unit is provided in the form of a series of individual independent printing elements Hi5- Which, from left to right, represent and carry the numerals O to 9 inclusive, and are adapted to print or otherwise form a sensing mark at a predetermined transverse location depending on the value of the numeral represented thereby. The printing elements 100 for each printing unit are mounted for vertical shifting movement from normal inactive position to active printing position except for the first printing element Hllia for printing a sensing mark representing the numeral 0 which initially, is in active printing position but drops to inactive position when any other selected printing element is moved to active printing position.

The required printing units thus provided are mounted in the area 5 of the platen I, Fig. l, and as shown in Fig. 6, such area includesa countersunk plate portion I 02 having a series of spaced transverse slots I03, Fig. 7. The series of printing elements I60 comprising a printing unit are retained in such a transverse slot I123 but capable of vertical shifting from inactive to active position, as selected, and are thereby adapted to print sensing marks at predetermined transverse locations together with the associated auxiliary printing wheel for printing a corresponding numeral, as described with reference to Figs. 1-4 inclusive.

The individual printing elements Hill of each printing unit are thus retained in a transverse slot 03 and except for the first printing element 30a, aforesaid, rest normally in such slot 02 in inactive position as shown in Fig. 7. Any selected printing element is adapted to be pushed upwardly to active position, as represented in dotted lines in Fig. 7, and to be supported in such position during a printing operation. To this end, a cam surface 15 is provided on the upper end of a suitable post I05 carried by the movable cross-head 55. Upon transverse movement of the crosshead 55 for a selected setting operation, the cam surface I05 moves a proportionate distance as necessary to be located under the selected printing element Hill where it pushes said selected printing element upwardly to active printing position and supports the same in such active position duing the printing operation.

It will be understood that in the initial position of the printing units with the keyboard cleared as shown in Fig. 1, the key 19 of a printing unit is in zero position and the cam surface I85 likewise in zero position under the first printing element lfllla, as seen in Fig. 6. In this zero position, said printing element Illilot is adapted to print a sensing mark representing the numeral 0 and the associated printing wheel 80 such a numeral 0. However, for any other selected numeral, there is performed a setting operation by means of the key 19 which causes a transverse movement of the cam I85 from under the first printing element lfllla and the same thereupon drops to inactive position. At thelimit of a setting operation, the cam surface N35 is disposed under any selected one of the other printing elements HID to support the same in active position for a printing operation. Each of the printing units in the machine is adjusted in a similar man ner for setting up the various printing elements in accordance with the numerals representing the details of a transaction substantially as described with reference to Figs. 1-4 inclusive, whereupon a tabulating card C, Fig. 5, is printed with such 15 data in the same general operation of the machine.

Fig. 8 discloses a construction which operates similarly to that of Figs. 6 and '7 but in which each printing unit comprises only a single printing element I III for printing a sensing mark at a predetermined transverse location in accordance with the numeral selected. The area of the platen is adapted to be provided in a simplified form either with or without individual transverse slots for each of said printing elements I ID. The printing element I It is supported on a simple post I I I carried by the crosshead 55 for movement to any selected transverse position depending on the movement imparted thereto by a setting operation of the associated key I9. At the same time, the associated printing wheel as is also set by the rack 'I'I for printing a numeral corresponding to the sensing mark printed by the printing element IIB. Accordingly, all printing elements in the printing units thus provided are suitably set in accordance with the values of the digits in the numbers representing the details of a transaction, whereupon such printing elements are reproduced on a tabulating card C, substantially as shown in Fig. 5, in a printing operation similar to that in the previously described forms of the invention.

Figs. 9 and disclose another form of the invention which comprises a circular printing wheel I for printing the sensing marks and which is more or less equivalent to that shown in Fig. 2 and is arranged for operation and use in the same general manner. Such a printing Wheel I20 may be provided either with an auxiliary printing wheel 86, as shown in Fig. 2, for printing numerals corresponding to the selected sensing mark to be printed, as described, or, in the simplified construction shown in Fig. 9 omitting such an auxiliary printing wheel. In the arrangement shown in Fig. 9, the area 5 of the platen is provided in a similargrid pattern defining a series of spaced vertical slots 6 in which the individual printing elements I2I on the circular printing wheel I23 are received successively as said wheel is moved transversely to the predetermined transverse location for printing a sensing mark representing a selected numeral.

As shown in Fig. 10, such a printing wheel IE9 is supported on a similar post I26 carried by the crosshead "c5 and having its upper end provided in the form of spaced trunnions I21 rotatably mounting the wheel I23 on a shaft I28. The arrangement otherwise is similar to the form of the invention described with reference to Figs, 1-4 inclusive and is adapted to be operated and used in the same general manner.

Figs. 11 and 12 disclose a similar construction.

in which the sensing marks in each printing unit are selectively printed by means of a circular wheel I36 having individual printing elements I3I which are successively received in spaced vertical slots 6 in a grid pattern in the area of the platen I, Fig. 1, as said printing Wheel I is moved in a setting operation to a predetermined transverse location. The setting operation, however, is performed automatically and the machine otherwise provided for such automatic setting of each printing unit by means of a suitable keyboard such as a so called ten-key push-button mechanism used in adding machines, and the like.

The printing wheel I3e for each printing unit is provided with a similar rotatable mounting in an individual carrier I 33, equivalent to a supporting post, and which comprises a pair of spaced arms I34 defining trunnions for rotatably mounting the printing wheel I30 by a shaft I35. The lower end of each carrier E33 includes a crosshead I3? defining spaced bearing surfaces I38 which are slidably movable on similar spaced rails I39 suitably mounted in the machine as by brackets IMJ. Each carrier is provided with outwardly extending fianges MI engaging the underfaces of said rails I39 to retain said crosshead I31 in slidably mounted position between said rails. The combined wheel carrier and crosshead thus provided includes a dependent stop finger I53 extending downwardly between the spaced rails I39 for engaging any one of a group of cooperating stop pins I53 adapted to be selectively projected into the path of said stop finger I43. These selectable stop pins I56 are adapted to limit the movement of the wheel carrier I33 to any predetermined transverse location depending on the selected stop pin which is projected into the path of said stop finger I 13. A coil spring I46 between the rails I39 is connected to the carrier as by means of a hook I 3? at one end thereof secured to an upper point of the stop finger A43 and its other end to the Wall of the machine in any suitable manner as by a similar hook 548.

In Fig. 11 the printing wheel I36 in a printing unit is shown in initial or zero position in which it is adapted to print a sensing mark at the predetermined location for the numeral 0. The carrier I33 is releasably held in such zero position by the upwardly projected first stop pin ISM, but in a setting operation for printing a sensing mark representing any other numeral from 1 to 9 inclusive, another of the stop pins I553 is projected upwardly as, for example, shown by the dotted line position of stop pin I557 for the numeral 9; the first stop pin seam is simultaneously dropped out of the path of the stop finger I 53 to release the carrier i332, whereupon the coil spring I &6 automatically pulls said carrier I33 to the transverse position limited by any such other selected stop pin Iiiii in upwardly projected position. Thus, in the example shown in Fig. 11, the projected stop pin IEiij for the numeral 9, stops the transverse movement of the carrier I33 in the broken line position shown, in which position there is disposed in active position the printing element I3I on the printing wheel I30 for printing a sensing mark representing the numeral 9.

The setting operation for each printing unit is effected in a similar manner by individual rows of such stop pins I59 carried in a movable stop pin carriage I55. This stop pin carriage I55 advances in step by step relation longitudinally of the machine following the setting for each printing unit by a suitable ten-key push-button keyboard (not shown) wherein each key operates an associated lever I653, Fig. 11, for selectively engaging in succession the rows of stop pins I56 to dispose in active position a selected one of said stop pins I552 in each row, as aforesaid. Accordingly, a row of such stop pins I53 is provided for controlling the position or the printing wheel I30 in each printing unit and the movable stop pin carriage IE5 is provided in the form of a basket or box containing all the required rows of stop pins I553 depending on the number of printing units in the machine. The stop pin carriage I55 so provided is mounted for movement in step by step relation longitudinally of the machine by means of a bearing I62 slidable on a longitudinal rod I63 at one side thereof and plate-like bearing surfaces I65, I66, at

efssejrsv "the otherside thereof 'sli'dable on a longitudinal understood that the stop pin carriage !55 is disposed in'initial position by a suitable'restoring means and is advanced longitudinally of the machine in astep by step relation'as governed by "a ratchet portion 15$ adjoining the lower bear ing surface 1'66 which is engaged by a pawl Hi3 pivoted to a lever I'll associated with the means for advancing said stop pin carriage. Thus, for each movement of lever ill, the pawl Ht releases the carriage [55 for an advance of one step to bring a succeeding row of stop pins lei? into position "for the described setting of the printing wheel I30 in each printing unit. The printing Wheels 139 in all printing units in the machine, accordingly,are adaptedto be set automatically in their predetermined transverse positions for printing 'sensingmarks representing the numerals indicating the details of a transaction substantially as described with reference to'F-igs. 14 inclusive, whereupon a tabulating card C, may be printed with such data 'as shown in Fig. '5 in the same generalprinting operation With further "reference to the general structure of themachine-showninrFigs. 11 andrlz in which a movable 'stop pin carriage is operated automatically by a ten-key push-button keyboard, the present invention fully contemplates the provision of such a machine wherein the printing units comprising the printing whe ls I30 are replaced by equivalent printing elements lmovabledirectly to active position by the stop pins we in the movable stop-pin carriage I55. In this regard,-=each row of'stop-pins l5i'lin carriage I55 defines a-lprintingunit inassociation with individualprinting elementswhich are selectively projected into active :position for printing sensing mark-s representing :theselected numeral. The arrangement, -accordingly,is such that the stop pins l d carrying-or'directly-engaging individual printing elements are adapted to project such printing elements into active position inthesamegeneralananner in -which. said stop pins I50 are selectively projected to active position for the purpose and :use thereof in the embodiment of the inventionshown in Figs. llland 12. a i

While the invention has been described in detail with specific examples, such "examples are intended as illustrations only inasmuch -as it will be apparent that ,other-modificationsthe construction, arrangementand general combination of parts may be provided without departing from the spirit and scope'oftherinvention. The present embodiments are therefore to be ,consideredin all respects as illustrative .and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by't'he appended claims rather than by the foregoing description,.with all changesfalling within .the scope, meaning, andrange of equivalency of the claims intended .to be embraced therein.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus comprising a bedvarea .havinga first portion, a substantially flat plate-removably positioned in said first portion, saidiplate having printing indicia formed on its upper surface and arranged on said surface along a pattern conforming to a code having predetermined values, said bed area having a second portion adjacent said first portion, said second portion having selective indicia positioned therein settable to values corresponding to the pattern of the indicia on individual plates positioned in said first portion of the bed *for any printing operadetermined values.

2. Apparatus comprisinga bed area having a first portion, a substantially flat plate removably positioned :in said first portion, said plate havingprinting indicia formed. on its uppersur- 'face and arranged on said surface along a pattern conforming to a codeihaving predetermined values, ,saidbed area having a second portion adjacent said "first portion, said second portion havinga set of selective indicia positioned thereiri'settable to .valuescorresponding to the pattern of the indicia on individual plates positioned insaidfirst portion of the bed forany printing operation of the apparatus, meansfifor selecting indicia in said second portion and-setting the same'along the pattern conforming to said predetermined values, a further set-of selective indicia in said second portion settable simultaneously by said selecting means for said first mentioned'set ofselective'indicia.insaid second portion, and unitary impression means coacting with said ,plate and said selective indicia .for simultaneously'forming an impression on a sheet placed over said first and second portionsin each operating cycle, whereby said-sheet will have reproduced thereon characters'from all three of said sets of indicia.

3. Apparatus comprising a bed area having a first portion,.a substantially Zflat plate removably positioned in said first portion,said plate having printing indicia formed onits upper surface and arranged on said surface along a pattern conforming to a code having predetermined values, said bed area having a second portion adjacent saidlfirstportion said second portion having selective indicia positioned therein settable to values corresponding to the pattern of the indicia on individual plates positioned in said first portion ofthe bedfor any printing operation of the apparatus, means for selecting indicia in said second portion comprising individual levers associated with said selective indicia for setting the same ,alongthe pattern conforming to said predetermined values, and unitary impression means coacting with said plate and said selective indicia for simultaneously forming an impression on a sheet placed over said first and second portions in each operating cycle, whereby the sheet will have reproduced thereon characters from ,indicia at said first and second portions conforming tosaid predetermined values.

4. Apparatus comprising a bed area having a first portion, a substantially flatplate removably positioned insaid firstportion, said plate havin printing indicia formedlon its upper surface and arranged on s-aid surface :along a pattern conforming to a code having predetermined values, said bed area having a second portion adjacent said first portion, said second portion having a set of selective indicia positioned therein settable to values corresponding to the pattern of the indicia on individual plates positioned in said first portion of the bed for any printing operation of the apparatus, means for selecting indicia in said second portion comprising individual levers associated with said selective indicia for setting the same along the pattern conforming to said predetermined values, a further set of selective indicia in said second portion settable simultaneously by said selecting means for said first mentioned set of selective indicia in said second portion, and unitary impression means coacting with said plate and said selective indicia for simultaneously forming an impression on a sheet placed over said first and second portions in each operating cycle, whereby said sheet will have reproduced thereon characters from all three of said sets of indicia.

5. Apparatus comprising a bed area having a first portion, a substantially flat plate removably positioned in said first portion, said plate having printing indicia formed on its upper surface and arranged on said surface along a pattern conforming to a-code having predetermined values, said bed area having a second portion adjacent said first portion, said second portion having selective indicia Positioned therein comprising a series of wheels carrying selective indicia settable to values corresponding to the pattern of the indicia on individual plates positioned in said first portion of the bed for any printing operation of the apparatus, means for selecting indicia in said second portion and setting the same along the pattern conforming to said predetermined values, and unitary impression means coacting with said plate and said selective indicia for simultaneously forming an impression on a sheet placed over said first and second portions in each operating cycle, whereby the sheet will have reproduced thereon characters from indicia at said first and second portions conforming to said predetermined values.

6. Apparatus comprising a bed area having a first portion, a substantially flat plate removably positioned in said first portion, said plate having printing indicia formed on its upper surface and arranged on said surface along a pattern conforming to a code having predetermined values, said bed area having a second portion adjacent said first portion, said second portion having a set of selective indicia positioned therein comprising a series of wheels carrying selective indicia settable to values corresponding to the pattern of the indicia on individual plates positioned in said first portion of the bed for any printing operation of the apparatus, means for selecting indicia in said second portion and setting the same along the pattern conforming to said predetermined values, a further set of selective indicia in said second portion settable simultaneously by said selecting means for said first mentioned set of selective indicia in said second portion, and unitary impression means coacting with said plate and said selective indicia for simultaneously forming an impression on a sheet placed over said first and second portions in each operating cycle, whereby said sheet will have reproduced thereon characters from all three of said sets of indicia.

7. Apparatus comprising a bed area having a first portion, a substantially flat plate removably positioned in said first portion, said plate having printing indicia formed on its upper surface and arranged on said surface along a pattern conforming to a code having predetermined values, said bed area having a second portion adjacent said first portion, said second portion having a set of selective indicia positioned therein settable to values corresponding to the pattern of the indicia on individual plates positioned in said first portion of the bed for any printing operation of the apparatus, means for selecting indicia in said second portion and setting the same along the pattern conforming to said predetermined values, a further set of selective indicia in said second portion comprising a series of wheels carrying selective indicia settable simultaneously by said selecting means for said first mentioned set of selective indicia in said second portion, and unitary impression means coacting with said plate and said selective indicia for simultaneously forming an impression on a sheet placed over said first and second portions in each operating cycle, whereby said sheet will have reproduced thereon characters from all three of said sets of indicia.

8. Apparatus comprising a bed area having a first portion, a substantially fiat plate removably positioned in said first portion, said plate having printing indicia formed on its upper surface and arranged on said surface along a pattern conforming to a code having predetermined values, said bed area having a second portion adjacent said first portion, said second portion having a set of selective indicia positioned therein comprising a series of wheels carrying selective indicia settable to values corresponding to the pattern of the indicia on individual plates positioned in said first portion of the bed for any printing operation of the apparatus, means for selecting indicia in said second portion comprising individual levers connected to said wheels for setting the indicia thereon along the pattern conforming to said predetermined values, a further set of selective indicia in said second portion comprising a series of wheels carrying selective indicia settable simultaneously by said selecting means forsaid first mentioned set of indicia in said second portion, and unitary impression means coacting with said plate and said selective indicia for simultaneously forming an impression on a sheet placed over said first and second portions in each operating cycle, whereby said sheet will have reproduced thereon characters from all three of said sets of indicia.

I WILLIAM H. VVOLOWITZ.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,309,954 Martin July 15, 1919 1,978,901 Hoffman Oct. 30, 1934 2,089,447 Sundstrand Aug. 10, 1937 2,111,057 Swanson Mar. 15, 1938 2,141,577 Watson Dec. 27, 1938 2,145,654 Hoffman Jan. 31, 1939 2,189,027 Fuller 1 Feb. 6, 1940 

